06/18/02
On behalf of the Chicago Transit Authority, its real estate agent is soliciting proposals for potential headquarters locations for the transit agency. A team consisting of Transwestern Commercial Services, Mesirow Stein Real Estate and OWP/P represents the CTA.
The CTA hired the firms, through a competitive bidding process, to assess the CTA's current and future office space needs and advise the CTA on the most cost-effective and practical options for its space needs.
?As part of our overall strategic planning process, we need to consider our office space needs and whether or not changes are necessary. We believe the best way to do that is to undertake a professional review and evaluate the marketplace so that we know what options make the most sense financially," said CTA President Frank Kruesi.
?We want space that is efficient, affordable, and convenient to public transportation," he said. ?Engaging in long-term planning for space requirements is necessary in order for the CTA to allocate its financial resources to maximum advantage."
The CTA will consider proposals to lease or own space in buildings that have a minimum of 300,000 square feet of space available and that are near CTA bus and rail routes.
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2002 and should be sent to CeCe Conway or Phil Utigard at Transwestern Commercial Services, 150 N. Wacker, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60608. (312) 499-3649. Contact Transwestern for copies of the bid materials.
The CTA's headquarters have been located in the Merchandise Mart since the agency's inception in 1947. Approximately 780 professional and administrative employees work from offices at the Merchandise Mart and the neighboring Apparel Center. Others occupy a CTA-owned building at 120 N. Racine. The majority of the CTA's 11,500 employees work in transportation operations and maintenance, and report to bus garages, rail terminals and other field locations throughout the CTA's service area.